Kintsugi is a Japanese craft I recently came across that both repairs and beautifies broken objects using gold leaf. By accentuating the break rather than hiding it, kintsugi honors the history of the object. What a refreshingly postive take on breakage! While the traditional method requires some major know-how, my updated take will have your broken ceramics looking better than ever in no time. Ready to get started? Keep reading for my step-by-step instructions.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- Epoxy for ceramic
- Gold mica powder
- A broken pot, bowl, or dish
Mix
To get started, mix a quarter-size amount of epoxy on a disposable surface like a paper plate or a scrap of cardboard. Next add a pea-size amount of mica powder to the epoxy, and mix thoroughly. I like to use the end of a matchstick for this.
Glue and Stick
Next, use a fresh matchstick to apply a superthin amount of epoxy to one of the broken edges of your piece. Then align the broken pieces and press them together so that the gold glue seeps out in a fine line along the crack. Work in sections if you have a more complicated break. Let the piece dry according to the instructions on the epoxy. The glue sets pretty fast, but it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on the pieces as they dry so that you can nudge them back into place if they slip.
Voilà! Good as (or better than?) new!
I’d love to see what you’re making! Share your weekend projects on Instagram using #WeekendDecorator, or follow me @mepflug to see more projects.
Photos by Manuel Rodriguez
I love old, vintage pieces and when I find something that is less than perfect, some blemishes don’t bother me in the least. I have a fantastic lead crystal water decanter that has some tiny chips on the rim…I got it for $2. It is so beautiful and a testament to craftsmanship, it doesn’t bother me that it is less than perfect. It represents a time of beauty and opulence. This solution also encourages people to use what they have and if the item breaks, it can still live on…Thanks!
Wonderful, beautiful and practical way to save one’s beloved pieces. Thank you for sharing
Is the ceramic still food safe using these materials?
I second Sterling’s question. I’m a ceramicist and have a broken dinnerware piece I’ve been waiting to Kintsugi but its been so long I’d like it fixed already. Is this epoxy food/wash safe?